2010/11/15

Hyperdub is a London based label that was founded in 2004 by DJ and Producer Kode9 after fermenting as a webzine that emerged in 2001. The label’s first release was a weird beatless version of Prince’s ‘Sign o’ the times’ by Kode9 and mc/poet Spaceape, suffused with spine-chilling dread, at a point when dubstep was still just a dark glint in UK garage’s eye.

Since its inception then, and as laid out clearly by the 2009 5 years of Hyperdub compilation ‘5’, the Hyperdub virus has remained under constant mutation, spraying out in several musical directions, from Burial’s haunted and melancholy mutation of 2-step, to Ikonika’s crying synths to King Midas Sound’s evolved, cinematic take on Lover’s Rock. Hyperdub stands out as a label for not following the crowd or going the easy route. Kode 9’s track ‘Black Sun’ created a dissonant template that’s now filtered through hundreds of other’s productions, and the label has constantly sought new ways to listen and respond to music on the dance floor, from Quarta 330’s Chip-beats, Zomby’s early releases, Darkstar’s early vocoder garage, (now evolved into to a live band with an arresting debut album ‘North’), Cooly G and DVA’s inspired takes on UK funky, Terror Danjah’s Afro-botic Grime and LV’s shifting reggae and kwaito variations.

Kode9, renowned DJ and owner of the Hyperdub label, has put together a playlist to celebrate Hyperdub being available on Spotify.

This remarkable playlist by legendary SMP user, Lasse Nordgren, charts the entire history of the Billboard Hot 100 from its very first number one in 1958 (Poor Little Fool by Ricky Nelson fact fans) all the way through to its current ascendant, Just The Way You Are by Bruno Mars. We were so impressed by this playlist we dedicated an entire blog post to it, which you can read herehere.

One of the most iconic musicians of all time has finally landed on Spotify. This year marks what would have been Lennon’s 70th birthday and this playlist celebrates his career masterfully with such timeless classics as Working Class Hero, Jealous Guy and Imagine to name but a few.

If you’re eagerly anticipating the release of Kanye West’s latest album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which is out November 22, then this playlist will be right up your street. Featuring everything from Kayne’s production skills to vocal talents, this is must for all hip-hop fans.